Time Limits for Personal Injury Claims

Whether you were injured in a car crash, slip and fall, or any other type of accident, there’s more at stake than just healing. Missing the time limit for a personal injury claim can mean losing your right to seek any compensation at all—and under North Carolina law, you have a limited window to take legal action. That’s why it’s critical to learn about legal time limits, also known as statutes of limitations, and why talking to a lawyer early is one of the most important decisions you can make.

In most cases, North Carolina law gives you a time limit of three years from the date of a personal injury to either settle your claim or file a lawsuit in court. The statute of limitations clock in North Carolina starts ticking on the date of the accident or incident that caused the personal injury.

This three-year legal filing deadline in North Carolina typically applies to:

• Car and motorcycle accidents
• Bicycle and pedestrian injuries
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Nursing home injuries
• Slip-and-fall accidents

There are a few rare exceptions that might extend the deadline, but they are not guaranteed and can be very difficult to prove. Don’t rely on assumptions. Get advice from a legal professional who understands the full scope of North Carolina personal injury statute of limitations law.

Wrongful Death Cases and Other Legal Exceptions

Not every claim follows the standard three-year timeline. Some cases are governed by shorter or more complex legal time limits: 

• Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death, not the date of the accident. This difference matters if your loved one survived for a time after the initial injury.
• Claims involving minors or legally incapacitated individuals may be delayed under certain legal exceptions (called “tolling”).
• Federal claims, such as injuries on military bases or involving federal employees, can have much shorter deadlines and require different procedures.
• Medical malpractice and delayed discovery cases may have special rules for when the statute of limitations clock starts ticking, depending on when the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been.

Understanding which timeline applies to your case is not always straightforward. Speaking to an attorney early can make all the difference.

While three years might sound like plenty of time, waiting can weaken your case. Even if you have months or years left before your legal filing deadline in North Carolina, waiting can hurt your case. Here’s why:

• Evidence disappears. Video footage, accident scenes, and witness memories fade quickly.
• Insurance adjusters add pressure. They may downplay your case or give misleading information about your deadlines.
• Case prep takes time. Your lawyer needs time to gather witness statements and medical records, investigate the facts, and build a strong legal argument, especially if your case ends up in court.

The sooner you act, the more options you have—and the better protected your rights will be.

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t take chances with the clock. The time limit for personal injury claims in North Carolina is strict, and exceptions are rare.

At Miller Law Group, we move quickly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Whether your case is straightforward or complex, our team will explain how the legal time limits apply to your unique situation and help you take action before it’s too late.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and fight for the justice you deserve.